"I've sat at over 500 IEP tables."
I'm Mary, a Special Education Advocate and the founder of The Advocate Ally. I created this goal bank because I was tired of seeing parents bullied into accepting generic, "cookie-cutter" IEPs.
The goals below aren't just random suggestions—they are the exact same forensically sound goals I fight for in meetings every day. Use them to demand better for your child.
Mary
Founder, The Advocate Ally
⚠️ Before you send anything: Make sure your legal footing is solid. Schools will ignore requests that aren't backed by evidence. Upload your IEP first for a free compliance audit so you know exactly what to dispute.
Legal Basis
34 CFR §300.320(b) — Beginning no later than the first IEP to be in effect when the child turns 16, the IEP must include transition services.
The Letter Template
Copy & Customize
Dear [Special Education Director], I am writing to formally request that transition services be included in the IEP for my child, [Child's Full Name], who is currently [Age] years old and in [Grade] at [School Name]. Under IDEA, transition services must be included no later than the first IEP in effect when the child turns 16 (or earlier, per state requirements). I am requesting that the IEP team: 1. Conduct age-appropriate transition assessments in the areas of education/training, employment, and independent living 2. Develop measurable post-secondary goals based on those assessments 3. Identify transition services that will help my child reach their post-secondary goals 4. Invite relevant outside agencies (e.g., vocational rehabilitation) to the next IEP meeting 5. Invite my child to participate in the meeting (as required by IDEA) My child's interests and goals for after high school include: • [Interest/Goal #1] • [Interest/Goal #2] If transition services have not yet been considered, please schedule an IEP meeting to address this immediately. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Date]
Pro Tips for Using This Letter
In some states, transition planning starts at age 14 — check your state's requirement.
Your child MUST be invited to any IEP meeting where transition is discussed.
Transition goals must address 3 areas: post-secondary education/training, employment, and independent living.
If the school hasn't done transition assessments by age 16, they are in violation of IDEA.
What Happens After You Send This Letter
Save a copy of the letter and the delivery confirmation (email receipt or certified mail tracking). This is your evidence trail.
The school has a limited window to respond. Mark your calendar for 10 business days — if you don't hear back, send a follow-up referencing the original date.
If they schedule a meeting in response, prepare just like you would for any IEP meeting. Bring a support person and don't sign anything at the table.
If they refuse your request, demand a Prior Written Notice (PWN) explaining why. This document is critical — it creates the legal record you need for a dispute.
Upload your IEP to get a free audit before the meeting. We'll identify every compliance gap so you walk in with evidence, not just a letter.
Not Sure Exactly What to Ask For?
A letter is only as strong as the evidence behind it. Let me review your IEP first — I'll show you exactly which problems to reference in your letter and which services to ask for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I email this letter or send it as certified mail?
What if the school doesn't respond to my letter?
Can the school retaliate against my child for sending this letter?
Do I need a lawyer to send this letter?
Audit your IEP before sending this letter
Find every compliance violation first. Then cite the specific issues in your letter.
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